Extracting text from a string.

I was finally able to find an API to copy all text from a terminal emulator (legally provided by the software company).


There is a USA Social Security number I would like to extract and disregard all the other text. Once the SSN is narrowed down from all the text, can we assign it to a variable?

I thought a RegEx would do it but probably not. I can't hardcode a social security number (defeats the purpose). Any ideas?

Chris

How about this ???

VB Code:

'if you know SSN position within that text 
'then use Mid() function to assign it to some global/local var
 
Dim strSSN As String
 
strSSN = Mid(strText, intSatr, int End)
 
'you are now ready to use it

Does the security number always start from the same position?

Hmm I wish the positioning of the SSN was the same place everytime. So let's say our string variable that copied all the application's text has alot of characters like this:



strTheAppsString = "123 Application Name: Chris Last Name: Chang Tele: %%^$%%^ SSN: 666-66-6666"

Sometimes it would look like this:


strTheAppsString = "123 Application Name: SSN: 666-66-6666" Chris Last Name: Chang Tele: %%^$%%^

Another idea would be to Extract 11 characters after we parse through and if we see "SSN:" in the string, extract 11 #'s.


Thanks for any ideas :)
Chris

VB Code:

Dim Temp As String, Temps() As String
 
Temps = Split(InputString, "SSN: ")
If UBound(Temps) > 0 Then Temp = Left$(Temps(1), 11)
' Temp should now be either empty or contain the number

Merri,

Awesome code! Would you happen to know how to remove the hyphens too while we're on this subject?


Chris

Hyphens? The - character? (English isn't my native)

VB Code:

Temp = Replace$(Left$(Temps(1), 11), "-", vbNullString)
'vbNullString is the same as "", but it is recommended to use vbNullString

VB Code:

Dim TheString As String, TheArray() As String
TheString = "123 Application Name: SSN: 666-66-6666 Chris Last Name: Chang Tele: %%^$%%^"
TheArray = Split(TheString, "SSN: ")
MsgBox Mid(TheArray(1), 1, 11)

Merri, Arc:

Both samples work! Thank you for helping me out!


Chris